Mobile commerce platforms and associated systems and methods for converting consumer coins, cash, and/or other forms of value for use with same

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for converting consumer coins, cash, and/or other forms of value for use with mobile commerce platforms implemented on, for example, smart phones, PDAs, and other mobile devices. In one embodiment, a method for implementing a mobile commerce account on a mobile device includes receiving coins and/or other funds from a user at a consumer-operated kiosk. The method can further include counting the coins and/or other funds to determine a value, and then communicating at least a portion of the value from the kiosk to the hand-held mobile device for deposit in the mobile commerce account.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO APPLICATION(S) INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/705,915, filed Sep. 15, 2017, now pending, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/507,636, filed Oct.6, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,766,014, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/304,254, filed Nov. 23, 2011, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,874,467 and titled “MOBILE COMMERCE PLATFORMS AND ASSOCIATEDSYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONVERTING CONSUMER COINS, CASH, AND/OR OTHERFORMS OF VALUE FOR USE WITH SAME,” which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to systems and associatedmethods for converting coin value, cash value, and/or other forms ofvalue for use with various types of commerce platforms.

BACKGROUND

Consumer-operated coin counting kiosks that exchange loose coins forredeemable cash vouchers and other tangible forms of value are in wideuse today. Such machines can include, for example, the machinesdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,971,699, 7,874,478, 7,520,374, and8,033,375; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. Some of these machines count consumer coins and dispenseredeemable cash vouchers, while others may offer other type ofpurchasing instruments such as “e-certificates” for making onlinepurchases, pre-paid gift cards and card facsimiles, etc.

In many of these existing options, the coin counting kiosks dispensesome form of tangible output (e.g., a voucher, e-certificate, card,etc.) in return for the coins. Vouchers can be redeemed for cash and/ormerchandize at a point of sale (POS) in a retail establishment. In thecase of e-certificates, the consumer inputs a code from thee-certificate when making an online purchase. Prepaid cards can be usedto make purchases at POSs with a conventional magnetic stripe cardreader.

One shortcoming of these conventional options is that the raw materialsfor producing the different types of tangible outputs must becontinually stocked in the machine and, oftentimes, printed prior todispensing. The stocking, printing, and dispensing of these materialsadds cost to the operation and maintenance of the coin counting kiosks.Accordingly, although each of these options has its benefits, it wouldalso be advantageous to provide consumers with additional options forconverting loose coins, cash, etc. to other forms of readily usable andwidely accepted payment instruments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating some aspects of a mobilecommerce kiosk system configured in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2D are a series of schematic diagrams illustrating variousfunctional aspects of a mobile commerce system configured in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3F are a series of schematic diagrams illustrating variousdisplays for implementing aspects of a mobile commerce system configuredin accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating various steps for making apurchase with a virtual gift card in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating various aspects of anothermethod for making a purchase with a virtual gift card in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating various aspects of differentpurchasing platforms implemented in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a suitable network environment forimplementing various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating various aspects of consumeroperated kiosks and wireless mobile devices suitable for implementingvarious financial transactions in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a distributed computing environmentsuitable for performing various operations for implementing embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a routine for transferring coins, cash,and/or other forms of value to a mobile commerce platform in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a machine-implemented routine forconverting coins, cash, and/or other forms of value to a mobile commerceplatform in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12A-12C are a series of flow diagrams illustrating variousroutines for purchasing goods and/or services with mobile commerceplatforms configured in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes various embodiments of systems andmethods for transferring the value of coins, cash, and/or other types offunds to mobile commerce platforms, such as electronic paymentapplications implemented by mobile devices (e.g., smart phones) andother computer-implement devices. In various embodiments, for example, aconsumer operated kiosk is configured to receive loose coins and/or cashfrom a consumer, and count the coins and/or cash to determine a totalvalue. The consumer can then select (via, e.g., a touch screen or othersuitable input device) whether to have all or a portion of the valuetransferred to a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone, personal digitalassistant (PDA), enterprise digital assistant, tablet computer, or otherhandheld computing device) for making purchases with a mobile commerceplatform, such as a “mobile wallet” application implemented by the smartphone or other mobile device.

If the consumer wishes to have all or a portion of the deposited valuetransferred to a mobile device, the consumer enters a device address(e.g., a phone number) and positions the device within a suitable rangeof the kiosk (e.g., within a suitable range for near field communication(NFC)). In some embodiments, the kiosk then wirelessly communicates(via, e.g., a Short Message Service (SMS) text message) the valueinformation to the mobile device. In other embodiments, the kiosk cantransfer or otherwise communicate the value information to the mobiledevice via a temporary wired connection, such as a USB port, electronicdocking station, etc. Once transferred, the funds can then be used tomake wireless purchases of goods and/or services via, for example, avirtual gift card account and/or other facilities implemented by themobile device.

As used herein, the term “mobile wallet” can refer generally to anelectronic commerce account implemented by a mobile phone or othermobile wireless device. In some embodiments, mobile wallets store“virtual gift cards,” virtual loyalty cards, etc.; transfer value;and/or conduct transactions for, e.g., purchasing goods and/or servicesfrom suitably enabled merchants. The term “virtual gift card” can referto an application program operating on the mobile device that performslike a prepaid card, such as a gift card. Virtual gift cards can enablethe user to wirelessly purchase items and/or services, pay bills, and/orconduct other transactions with retailers and other merchants via, e.g.,a wirelessly enabled point of sale (POS) terminal, the Internet, and/orother computer networks.

In some embodiments, “open loop” or “network” virtual gift cards(implemented by, e.g., Google Wallet, ISIS™, etc.) may be issued bybanks or credit card companies, and may be redeemed by any suitablyequipped merchant. In comparison, “closed loop” virtual gift cards maybe issued by a specific retailer, restaurant or other merchant, and mayonly be redeemed by the issuing provider or a limited group ofmerchants. In some embodiments, the consumer can allocate funds betweenone or more branded virtual gift card accounts associated with specificretailers or usable at multiple retailers. The consumer can then pay foritems at the corresponding stores, restaurants, etc. by simply tappingor swiping their mobile device in the proximity (e.g., in the nearfield) of any POS terminal equipped with suitable NFC technology, mobilecommerce software, and/or other mobile payment platform solution.Aspects of the foregoing embodiments overcome shortcomings in the priorart by enabling consumers to quickly and easily transfer loose coin,cash, etc. to a wireless commerce platform that can be implemented at awide range of retailers and via other consumer commerce pathways withoutrequiring the manufacture, stocking, printing, dispensing, tracking,and/or tendering of paper vouchers, e-certificates, pre-paid cards, cardfacsimiles and/or other tangible types of payment instruments.

Certain details are set forth in the following description and in FIGS.1-12C to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of thepresent technology and disclosure. In other instances, well-knownstructures, materials, operations and/or systems often associated withwireless technology, mobile devices, smart phones, mobile commerceplatforms and functionalities, are not shown or described in detail inthe following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thedescription of the various embodiments of the technology. Those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the presenttechnology can be practiced without one or more of the details set forthherein, or with other structures, methods, components, and so forth.

The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadestreasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with adetailed description of certain examples of embodiments of thedisclosure. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however,any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner willbe overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Descriptionsection.

The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the present technologyand are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Many of thedetails, dimensions and other features shown in the Figures are merelyillustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly,other embodiments can have other details, dimensions and featureswithout departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Forexample, the sizes of various depicted elements are not necessarilydrawn to scale, and various elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and/orsimplified to improve legibility. Component details may be abstracted inthe Figures to exclude details such as position of components andcertain precise connections between such components when such detailsare unnecessary for a complete understanding of how to make and use theinvention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate thatfurther embodiments of the invention can be practiced without several ofthe details described below.

In the Figures, identical reference numbers identify identical, or atleast generally similar, elements. To facilitate the discussion of anyparticular element, the most significant digit or digits of anyreference number refers to the Figure in which that element is firstintroduced. For example, element 110 is first introduced and discussedwith reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is schematic diagram illustrating various aspects of a system forconverting coins and/or cash to funds for use with a mobile commerceplatform in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Theschematic diagram illustrates that coins, cash and/or other forms ofcurrency and value 101 can be deposited in, for example, a coin inputregion 103 (e.g., a pivoting coin tray) of a consumer operated coincounting kiosk 100. The kiosk 100 can include a coin counting apparatusfor counting the deposited coins and determining a value, as disclosedin, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,971,699, entitled “COIN COUNTER/SORTERAND COUPON/VOUCHER DISPENSING MACHINE AND METHOD;” U.S. Pat. No.7,874,478, entitled “COIN COUNTER AND VOUCHER DISPENSING MACHINE ANDMETHOD;” U.S. Pat. No. 8,033,375, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOREXCHANGING AND/OR TRANSFERRING VARIOUS FORMS OF VALUE;” U.S. Pat. No.7,113,929, entitled “SYSTEM FOR VOUCHER OR TOKEN VERIFICATION;” and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/294,637, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMSFOR EXCHANGING AND/OR TRANSFERRING VARIOUS FORMS OF VALUE” and filedDec. 5, 2005; each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference.

Embodiments of the kiosk 100 can also include, for example, one or moreoutput devices 108 (e.g., outlet slots for dispensing redeemable cashvouchers, e-certificates, prepaid cards, etc.), and one or more displaydevices 106 (e.g., a display screen, such as an LCD screen) fordisplaying various options and prompts to consumers and, in someembodiments, receiving user selections via an input device 102, such asa touch screen (not shown in detail in FIG. 1).

As described in greater detail below, after a user (not shown) has inputfunds (e.g., loose coins) into the kiosk 100 and the kiosk 100 hascounted the coins to determine a value, the user can position awireless-enabled mobile device 120 (e.g., a mobile computing device suchas a smart phone) in proximity of the kiosk (e.g., within a distancesuitable for near field communication (NFC)), and the kiosk canwirelessly transfer the funds, or a portion of the funds to the mobiledevice 120 (e.g., to an application for implementing mobile commercewith the mobile device 120). As is known, NFC can refer to relativelyshort-range, high-frequency wireless communication technology thatenables the exchange of data between devices positioned within aproximity of from about 4 inches to about 6 inches. In otherembodiments, wireless communication between the kiosk 100 and the mobiledevice 120 can be implemented using other protocols and/or otherpositional ranges between the kiosk 100 and the mobile device 120. Instill further embodiments, such wireless communication between the kiosk100 and the mobile device 120 can be implemented with other forms ofwireless technology, including Bluetooth communication technologies thatenable communication over greater distances. Accordingly, the variousembodiments of the present technology are not limited to any particularform of wireless technology.

Once the coin value has been transferred to the mobile device 120, theconsumer can utilize the value for various types of mobile paymentsolutions. Such solutions can include, for example, purchasing goodsand/or services at a retailer by scanning the mobile device 120 by aterminal having the relevant NFC technology, by using suitable mobilecommerce software known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and/or byimplementing other known forms of mobile payment solutions. Such mobilecommerce software and solutions can include software that enables use of“mobile wallets.”

FIGS. 2A-2D are a series of schematic representations of various stagesof a consumer experience when using the kiosk 100 in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure. Referring first to FIG. 2A, aconsumer or user 222 inputs funds (e.g., a plurality of loose coins 224)into the kiosk 100 via the coin receiving region 103. The kiosk 100 canthen display or otherwise provide the consumer 222 with various optionsfor converting her coins into other forms of value, including an optionfor transferring the coin value to a mobile wallet or other mobileaccount. Such options may include using the transferred funds to top offan existing mobile wallet or virtual gift card, or to create a newmobile account.

Turning next to FIG. 2B, this figure illustrates a representativedisplay page 230 that can, for example, be displayed to the consumer 222via the kiosk display screen 106 (FIG. 1) after the user 222 selects amobile wallet option via, e.g., an associated touch pad, selectorbutton, etc. The display page 230 can include various dialogue boxes,input fields, touch screens and/or general information associated withthe mobile wallet option. For example, the display page 230 can includea dialogue box 232 instructing the user 222 to enter her mobile phonenumber so that the kiosk can transfer (e.g., wirelessly transfer) thevalue (or at least a portion of the value) of the deposited coins to theuser's mobile device or other wireless commerce platform. The user 222can enter her device phone number via the input device 102 which, in theillustrated embodiment, can include an alpha numeric keypad or touchpad. In some embodiments, the user 222 can enter an e-mail address in ane-mail address field 236, and/or a related password in a password field238 to automatically retrieve the user's phone number from acorresponding user account accessed via the kiosk 100.

The display page 230 may be implemented in any number of suitable waysknown in the art, and can include facilities to present information andreceive input data, such as a form or page with fields to be filled in,pull-down menus or entries allowing one or more of several options to beselected, buttons, sliders, hypertext links or other known userinterface tools for receiving user input. While certain ways ofdisplaying information to users are shown and described with respect tocertain Figures in the present disclosure, those skilled in the relevantart will recognize that various other alternatives may be employed.Moreover, the terms “display page,” “web page,” “page,” “screen shot”and the like are generally used interchangeably herein.

In some embodiments, after providing the kiosk 100 with sufficientinformation so that the kiosk can wirelessly contact the desired mobiledevice, the consumer 222 positions the mobile device (e.g., the mobiledevice 120) in sufficient proximity to the kiosk 100 so that the kiosk100 can wirelessly transfer the fund information to the mobile device120 (e.g., to an application program operating on the mobile device thatuses a wireless application protocol (WAP) as the underliningtechnology). In addition or alternatively, the kiosk 100 can include asuitable electrical connector, port, or docking station (e.g., a USBport) to which the mobile device 120 can be temporarily connected orplaced so that the kiosk 100 can transfer the fund information to themobile device 120 via a wired data connection. After the mobile device120 and/or the kiosk 100 provides a visual, audible, and/or otherindication that the funds have been sufficiently transferred to themobile device 120, the funds can be used to pay for various items orservices at technology-enabled retailers, to purchase items on-line, toobtain loyalty program points, and/or to conduct othercommercially-related transactions as illustrated in FIG. 2D.

As graphically represented in FIG. 2D, these transactions can include,for example, transferring the funds to an account 234 a, such as aprepaid account or savings account, to a loyalty program 234 b, eitherdirectly or as part of a purchasing program with a specific one or moreretailers, and/or to a virtual gift card or mobile wallet 234 c. Thesetransactions can also include making wireless payments using a suitablepayment scanner or terminal 234 d, purchasing or redeeming coupons or“Groupons” 234 e, either individually or as part of other purchases,and/or making prepaid purchases from merchants 234 f. As those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the various mobile commerceoptions that become available to the user 222 after her coins have beenwirelessly transferred from the kiosk 100 to a mobile commerce platform,such as the mobile device 120, are virtually limitless, and can beeasily and quickly configured to accommodate existing and evolving formsof wireless payment.

FIGS. 3A-3F are a series of enlarged front views of the mobile device120, illustrating various display descriptions or pages 320 a-f that canbe presented on a display screen 306 (e.g., and LCD screen) to implementvarious aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure. The displaypages 320 may be implemented in any number of suitable ways known in theart, such as in C++ or as web pages in XML (Extensible Markup Language),HTML (HyperText Markup Language), email format, or any other formatsuitable for displaying information (including character/code-basedformats, algorithm-based formats (e.g., vector generated), bitmappedformats, or any other scripts or methods of creating displayable data,such as the Wireless Access Protocol (“WAP”)). As is known, such webpages provide facilities to present information and receive input data,such as a form or page with fields to be filled in, pull-down menus orentries allowing one or more of several options to be selected, buttons,sliders, hypertext links or other known user interface tools forreceiving user input. While certain ways of displaying information tousers are shown and described with respect to certain Figures in thepresent disclosure, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizethat various other alternatives may be employed.

When implemented as web pages, the screens are stored as displaydescriptions, graphical user interfaces, or other methods of depictinginformation on a computer screen (e.g., commands, links, fonts, colors,layout, sizes and relative positions, and the like), where the layoutand information or content to be displayed on the page is stored in adatabase typically connected to a server. In general, a “link” refers toany resource locator identifying a resource on a network, such as adisplay description provided by an organization having a site or node onthe network. The terms “page,” “display page,” “display description,”“web page,” “screen shot” and the like are generally usedinterchangeably herein, and generally refer to any method ofautomatically displaying information on a computer screen in any of theabove-noted formats, as well as other formats, such as email orcharacter/code-based formats, algorithm-based formats (e.g., vectorgenerated), or matrix or bit-mapped formats. While aspects of theinvention are described herein using a networked environment, some orall features may be implemented within a single-computer environment.

Referring first to FIG. 3A, the display page 320 a includes a virtualgift card 340 a (in this case, a multi-merchant card) that the user canselect to receive all or a portion of the funds deposited into the kiosk100. The display page 320 a can also provide various information fields344 that can tell the consumer when, for example, they receive “mobilemoney,” or provide the consumer with customer support information, etc.In addition, in some embodiments the display page 320 a can include aselector button or icon 342 that the user can select (by, e.g., touch orclick with a suitable pointing device) to select one or more virtualgift cards. For example, selecting the icon 342 can bring up the displaypage shown in FIG. 3B.

In FIG. 3B, the display page 320 b depicts a plurality of additionalvirtual gift card options 340 b-m. While only 12 branded retaileroptions are depicted in FIG. 3B, additional options can be presented onone or more following display pages. The display page 320 b alsoincludes an input field 346 in which the user can specify how much ofthe funds they would like to have placed on a particular gift card.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the display page 320 c can include a promotionsfield 348. Selecting one of the displayed promotions brings up theassociated display page 320 d shown in FIG. 3D, which providesadditional information about the promotion. FIG. 3E illustrates thedisplay page 320 e after the user has selected one of the virtual giftcards (e.g., a JCPenny™ gift card 352) and input the desired amount offunds (e.g., $20) in an amount field 346. After selecting the card andinputting the desired value, the user can click or otherwise select anissue card icon or button 356 which, in some embodiments, can bring upthe display page 320 f illustrated in FIG. 3F. The display page 320 fdisplays the selected virtual gift card and card amount, and requeststhat the user either confirm the selection with a confirm button 358, orcancel the selection with a cancel button 360.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation illustrating various aspects of amethod of using the virtual gift card selected in FIG. 3F. Morespecifically, in the illustrated embodiment the consumer merely selectsthe appropriate icon 400 on the mobile device 120 and places the devicein the near field of a POS terminal 404 having suitable wirelesstechnology (e.g., a suitable wireless reader module) to perform thedesired purchase transaction at the branded retailer 402. Thetransaction may require authentication (e.g., by entering a password,PIN, and/or other identifiers) or it may not.

FIG. 5 illustrates aspects of another method for purchasing a product,service, etc. with the mobile device 120 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, rather thanusing the mobile device 120 to wirelessly pay for a selected good orservice at a retail outlet or other merchant, the user simply places thedevice 120 in the proximity of an automated kiosk terminal 510 towirelessly pay for, e.g., a fare on, for example, a subway, bus, train,etc. Similar procedures can be employed to purchase or rent other itemsfrom other types of automated machines, including vending machines,gaming machines, DVD rental kiosks, etc.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating various aspects of closedloop payment platforms and open-loop payment platforms that may beimplemented in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Insome embodiments, the kiosk 100 can transfer coin, cash and/or otherforms of value to virtual gift cards for use in a closed loopmarketplace. As discussed above, this could involve the user selectingfrom one or more branded virtual gift cards 600 a-m which can then beused to make wireless purchases from one or more specified merchants. Inother embodiments, the kiosk 100 can transfer funds to an open-loopplatform on a mobile device for use at any merchant equipped withsuitable payment technology (e.g., a near field reader, etc.). Suchopen-loop mobile platforms can include, for example, Google Wallet whichcan facilitate wireless purchases with a virtual Google gift card 601 a,a virtual Visa gift card 601 b, and/or other such accounts displayed onthe mobile device 120.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a suitable network computingenvironment for implementing various aspects of a mobile commerce system700 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In theillustrated embodiment, one or more consumer kiosks 100 a-η (e.g.,consumer coin counting kiosks) can be operably connected to a first hostcomputer 760 a via one or more communication links known in the art.Such links can include, for example, a modem, cable connections,wireless connections, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the first hostcomputer 760 a can include a suitably configured server computer forexchanging information with the network of kiosks 100 and one or moreaccounts 770 a-η. The accounts 770 can include various types ofcomputer-implemented financial accounts (e.g., banking accounts),commercial accounts, gift card accounts, etc. that keep track of thebalance of funds in a particular account (e.g., a closed loop or openloop mobile account) in response to debits and credits against theaccount. The accounts 770 may be managed by any number of membershiporganizations, banks, credit unions, or financial institutions. Inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the accounts 770can be implemented by a variety of methods, protocols, and systemsincluding, for example, an automated clearing house (ACH) network, anElectronic Payments Network (EPN), and other banking networks, such asCIRRUS, NYCE, and the like. Similar “back-end” accounting systems arewell known to those of ordinary skill in the art for reconcilingactivation, use, and/or reloading of myriad types of paymentinstruments, and can be implemented by one or more processing devicesoperably communicating with one or more databases.

In another aspect of this embodiment, each of the kiosks 100 a-η caninclude wireless technology suitable for wireless communication betweenthe kiosks and any number of different mobile devices, such as themobile device 120 (e.g., a smart phone, mobile phone, tablet computer,PDA, netbook, transportable computer, etc.). For example, the kiosks 100may connect to the mobile device 120 and/or other portions of thenetwork directly or through other devices or connections includingrouters, modems, hubs, Wi-Fi connections, Wireless Personal AreaNetworks (WPANs), Wi-Fi PANs, wireless local area networks (WLAN),Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Personal CommunicationsService (PCS), as well as other suitable communication technology andsystems known in the art.

The mobile device 120 can also be selectively linked to one or more ofthe accounts 770 via one or more POS terminals 790 a-790η when theconsumer desires to make a purchase at a terminal-enabled POS. Theterminals 790 can include, for example, various types of wirelesstechnology POS terminals that can accommodate mobile account purchaseslocated at a wide variety of retailers and merchants. In operation, theindividual terminals 790 can receive wireless payment information fromthe mobile device 120, and provide related information (e.g., an accountnumber, code or other information identifying the associated mobileaccount; the total cost of purchased item(s) and/or service(s), etc.) toa corresponding second host 760 b (which can comprise one or morecomputers), which in turn exchanges related information with theappropriate account 770 to, e.g., debit the account in accordance withthe particular purchase. After the account is debited, the account 770transmits corresponding information back to the mobile device 120(and/or other portions of the network) so that the mobile paymentapplication on the device 120 can be updated to reflect the new amountof funds remaining in the corresponding mobile account.

In various embodiments, the mobile device 120 can further include thecapability to communicate (e.g., wirelessly communicate) with individualretailers and merchants 780 a-780 n via a suitable communications link,such as the Internet, or other communication link such as a directwireless communication link. More specifically, in some embodiments themobile device 120 can remotely transmit information associated with avirtual gift card purchase to one of the retailers 780, to enable theconsumer to make a purchase from, for example, a retailer website orfrom an actual POS at a retailer outlet. The information transmitted tothe retailer 780 can include, for example, the amount of the purchasetransaction, and an authentication code or other identifier associatedwith the virtual gift card. This information can then be transmitted tothe appropriate account 770 via a third host 760 n. As with the hostcomputers 760 a, b, the third host 760 n may also comprise one or morecomputers or a network of computers. As with the open loop option, oncethe account 770 has been suitably debited in accordance with the desiredpurchase, the remaining account balance is transmitted back to themobile device 120 so that the application running on the device 120 canstore the current account balance.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various aspectsof the illustrated technology can be practiced with othercommunications, data processing, or computer system configurationsincluding, for example, Internet appliances, handheld devices (includingPDAs), wearable computers, all manner of cellular or mobile phones(including Voice over IP (VoIP) phones), dumb terminals, media players,gaming devices, multi-processor systems, multi-processor based orprogrammable consumer electronics, set-top boxes, network PCs,mini-computers, mainframe computers, and the like. Indeed, the terms“computer,” “server,” “host,” “host system,” and the like are generallyused interchangeably herein, and refer to any of the above devices andsystems, as well as any data processor.

As those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate, the networksystem 700 provides an overview of various aspects of a mobile commercesystem for implementing wireless purchase transactions from a mobiledevice in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Inother embodiments, the system 700 or similar systems for implementingmobile commerce can include more or fewer elements and/or features, ordifferent elements and/or features than those described above.Accordingly, FIG. 7 is presented as an illustration of certainembodiments to give the reader a general understanding of the frameworkfor implementing the present disclosure. But the present disclosure isnot limited to this particular embodiment.

Those skilled in the relevant art will further appreciate that variousconcepts and portions of the mobile commerce system 700 can beimplemented in environments other than the Internet. For example, theconcepts can be used in an electronic mail environment in whichelectronic mail forms and messages perform various aspects of the mobilecommerce system 700. Also, various communication channels may be used,such as a local area network, wide area network, or a point-to-pointdial-up connection instead of the Internet.

FIG. 8 provides schematic representations of the architecture of thekiosk 100 and the mobile device 120 in accordance with embodiments ofthe present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiments, the kiosk 100can include a suitable network connection 814 (e.g., a wired connection,such as a modem, cable, etc.), and a wireless transceiver 816, such as atransceiver suitable for wireless near field communication (e.g.,Bluetooth communication) with the mobile device 120. The kiosk 100 canfurther include a suitable processor or central processing unit (CPU)810 that controls one or more functions of the kiosk 100, includingreceiving information from a coin counting unit 840, a consumer inputdevice 102 (e.g., a touch screen, key pad, etc.), a data storage deviceor memory 812, a display device 106 (e.g., a LCD screen), and/or asuitable output device 108 (e.g., a visual and/or audio output devicesuch as a display screen and speakers, respectively, a tactile outputdevice for dispensing, for example, redeemable paper vouchers, receipts,e-certificates, card facsimiles (e.g., wallet-sized prepaid cards),etc.) The CPU 810 may be any logic processing unit, such as one or moreCPUs, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integratedcircuits (ASIC), etc. The system memory 812 can include read-only memory(“ROM”) and random access memory (“RAM”).

In some embodiments, the mobile device 120 can include one or morefeatures, applications, and/or other elements commonly found in smartphones and other known mobile devices. For example, the mobile device120 can include a central processing unit (CPU and/or graphicsprocessing unit (GPU), for executing computer readable instructionsstored on memory 824. In addition, the mobile device 120 can include aninternal power source or battery 826, a dock connector 828, a camera830, and/or well known input devices 832 including, for example, a touchscreen, a keypad, etc. In many embodiments, the mobile device 120includes a headphone connection 836, and a speaker 834 for two waycommunication and audio playback. In addition to the foregoing features,the mobile device 120 can also include a mobile operating system (OS)820 for wirelessly communicating with, for example, other mobiledevices, websites, and the kiosk 100. Such communication can beperformed via the communication link 710, which can include, forexample, the Internet, an intranet, cell towers, the plain old telephonesystem (POTS), etc.

Unless described otherwise, the construction and operation of thevarious blocks shown in FIG. 8 are of conventional design. As a result,such blocks need not be described in further detail herein, as they willbe readily understood by those skilled in the relevant art. In otherembodiments, the kiosk 100 and/or the mobile device 120 can includeother features that are different from those described in detail above.In still further embodiments, the kiosk 100 and/or the mobile device 120can include more or fewer features similar to those described above.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a suitable computing environment inwhich various aspects of the mobile commerce platforms described abovecan be implemented in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The computing environment 900 has a web interface thatincludes one or more mobile devices 120, each of which includes abrowser program module 920 that permits the mobile device to access andexchange data with the communication link 710 (e.g., the Internet). Asdiscussed above, the mobile device 120 may include one or more centralprocessing units or other logic-processing circuitry, memory, inputdevices (e.g., keyboards, touch pads, etc.), output devices (e.g.,display devices), and storage devices. The mobile device 120 can beoperably connected to one or more server computers 960 via thecommunication link 710. The server computers 960 can perform much or allof the functions for receiving, routing and storing of electronicmessages, such as web pages, audio signals and electronic imagesnecessary to implement the mobile commerce systems described above.

Although a publicly available communication link 710 (e.g., theInternet) is shown in FIG. 9, a private network, such as an intranet maylikewise be used. The server computer 960 can retrieve and exchange webpages and other content with a database 970. In addition, in variousembodiments, the server computer 960 can include a server engine 962, aweb page management component 964, a content management component 966,and a database management component 968. In various embodiments, theserver engine 962 can perform the basic processing and operating systemlevel tasks associated with the various technologies described herein.The web page management component 964 can handle creation and/or displayand/or routing of web or other display pages. As is known, users mayaccess the server computer 960 via the mobile device 120 by eitherkeying in or otherwise inputting a URL associated with the servercomputer. The content management component 966 can handle many of thefunctions in the mobile commerce embodiments described herein. Thedatabase management component 968 can include suitable storage and canperform suitable storage and retrieval tasks with respect to thedatabase, query the database, and store various data such as animation,graphics, visual and audio signals, etc.

FIG. 10 is a representative flow diagram of a routine 1000 fortransferring coin value, cash value, and/or other forms of value to amobile commerce platform in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. This flow diagram and the ones that follow herein do notshow all functions or exchanges of data, but instead they provide anunderstanding of commands and data exchanged under various embodimentsof the methods and systems described above. Those skilled in therelevant art will recognize that some functions or exchange of commandsand data may be repeated, varied, omitted, or supplemented, and other(less important) aspects not shown may be readily implemented.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the routine 1000and other functions and methods described herein can be implemented asan application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), by a digital signalprocessing (DSP) integrated circuit, through conventional programmedlogic arrays and/or circuit elements. While many of the embodiments maybe implemented in hardware (e.g., one or more integrated circuitsdesigned specifically for a task), such embodiments could equally beimplemented in software and be performed by one or more processors. Suchsoftware can be stored on any suitable computer-readable medium, such asmicrocode stored in a semiconductor chip, on a computer-readable disk,or downloaded from a server and stored locally at a client.

Some steps depicted in FIG. 10 and the flow diagrams that follow are ofa type well known in the art, and can themselves include a sequence ofoperations that need not be described herein. Those or ordinary skill inthe art can create source code, microcode, program logic arrays orotherwise implement the invention based on the flowcharts and thedetailed description provided herein. In some embodiments, all or aportion of the routine 1000 can be implemented by a consumer operatingone or more of the devices and systems described in detail above. Inblock 1002, for example, the routine begins when the consumer or otheruser deposits coins, cash and/or other forms of value (e.g., credit,debit, paper vouchers, account transfers, loyalty points, tokens, etc.)into a consumer operated kiosk (e.g., the kiosk 100 of FIG. 1) or othersuitable machine for counting the deposited funds to determine a value.

In block 1004, the user reviews one or more options (presented on, e.g.the display 106 of the kiosk 100) for converting the deposited fundsinto other forms of value. The options can include, for example,receiving a redeemable cash voucher, receiving an e-certificate,receiving a prepaid card, and/or having all or a portion of the fundstransferred to a mobile wallet account. In the illustrated embodiment,the consumer selects the mobile wallet option in block 1004. In block1006, if the user has an existing account (e.g., a loyalty account orother account with, for example, the kiosk operator), the user may wishto input information identifying the existing account, such as an e-mailaddress and password, to bring up user information needed to facilitatethe transaction without having the user manually input the information,and/or to maintain the consumer's use history and provide promotions andincentives to the user based on prior use history.

In block 1008, the user inputs an electronic identifier (e.g., a phonenumber, IP address, etc.) of the wireless device to which they wish tohave the funds transferred. In block 1010, the user positions theirwireless device within sufficient proximity of the kiosk so that thekiosk can wirelessly transfer the designated funds to the consumer'smobile wallet account. In some embodiments, this can include launching amobile account application on the mobile device 120 that includes, forexample, a software application that resides on the mobile device, isaccessed over a network, and/or is accessed via a web page, etc. Suchand application may be received by the mobile device 120 via, forexample, a communication, such as a text message, email, oradvertisement on a web page or one of the kiosks 100. The communicationmay contain a link to, e.g., a website where the consumer may downloadthe mobile account application.

In decision block 1012, the routine checks for confirmation that thefunds were transferred from the consumer-operated kiosk to theconsumer's wireless device. After receiving confirmation that the fundswere wirelessly transferred from the consumer-operated kiosk to theconsumer's wireless device, the routine ends. If for any reason thetransfer did not go through, the routine proceeds to block 1014 to checkif the consumer has selected another option for use of the depositedfunds. If the consumer has not selected another option, the routineproceeds to block 1018 and the kiosk returns the funds to the consumer.If instead the consumer does select another option, then the routineproceeds to decision block 1016 to confirm that the consumer did in factreceive the other selected option (e.g., a redeemable cash voucher,prepaid card, e-certificate, etc.). If the consumer receivesconfirmation of the other option, then the routine ends. If not, thefunds are returned to the consumer in block 1018 and then the routineends.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a machined-implemented routine 1100 fortransferring funds received from a consumer to a mobile device for usein a mobile commerce platform in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In some embodiments the routine 1100 can be storedin non-volatile memory in the kiosk 100, or can be stored in removablemedia, such as disks, or hardwired or preprogrammed in chips, such asEEPROM semiconductor chips. In block 1102, the routine begins when themachine (e.g., a consumer-operated coin counting kiosk) receives coin,cash and/or other forms of value from a consumer. In block 1104, theroutine counts the received funds to determine a value. In block 1106,the routine displays (e.g., via the display 106 on the kiosk 100 ofFIG. 1) one or more options to the consumer for allocating the value ofthe received funds. The options can include, for example, receiving aredeemable voucher, a prepaid card, and/or having all or a portion ofthe funds transferred to a mobile wallet account.

In decision block 1108, the routine determines if the consumer selectsthe mobile wallet option. If so, the routine proceeds to block 1110 andoptionally receives account information (e.g., an e-mail address andpassword) associated with an existing account containing transactionhistory, preferences and other information about the consumer's past useof the kiosk network. In some embodiments, step 1110 can be omitted oroptional. In block 1112, the routine receives a phone number or otheridentifier from the consumer sufficient for the kiosk to communicatewith the wireless device.

In block 1113, the routine transfers the deposited value to a remoteaccount (e.g., one or more of the accounts 770 of FIG. 7) forimplementing and reconciling the mobile commerce routines describedabove. In decision block 1114, the routine confirms that the funds wereadequately transferred to the remote account. If for any reason thekiosk was unable to transfer the consumer's funds to the remote account,then the routine returns to the block 1106 and informs the consumer ofthis and displays additional options for application of the consumer'sfunds. Conversely, if the funds received from the consumer were properlytransferred to the remote account and the remote account (or one or morecomputers associated therewith) transmits a confirmation communicationback to the kiosk, then the routine proceeds to block 1116 andcommunicates (e.g., wirelessly communicates) the selected value of theconsumer's funds to the consumer's wireless device. In some embodiments,this step requires the user to position their wireless device within acertain proximity of the consumer-operated kiosk. After the funds havebeen successfully transferred to the consumer's mobile device, theroutine ends.

Returning to decision block 1108, if the consumer does not select themobile wallet option, then the routine proceeds to decision block 1118to determine if the consumer has selected one or more of the otheroptions. If not, then the routine proceeds to block 1122 and returns thedeposited funds to the consumer. Conversely, if the consumer does selectone or more of the other options, then the routine proceeds to decisionblock 1120 to provide the selected option to the consumer. If theroutine provides the newly selected option, then the routine ends.Conversely, if for whatever reason the machine is unable to provide thenewly selected option, then the routine proceeds to block 1122 andreturns the funds to the consumer, after which the routine ends.

FIGS. 12A-12C are a series of flow diagrams illustrating flow routines1200 a-c, respectively, for purchasing goods and/or services inaccordance with various embodiments of the mobile commerce technologydescribed above. Referring first to FIG. 12A, the routine 1200 a beginsin block 1202 a when the consumer identifies the goods and/or servicesthe consumer wishes to purchase at a POS in, e.g., a retail locationhaving a POS terminal equipped with a wireless reader configured forconducting wireless commerce. In this embodiment, identifying the goodsand/or services can include the consumer simply placing the selectedgoods on the counter at the POS, scanning the goods, etc. As discussedabove, the wireless reader can include one or more different types ofwireless payment terminals that can wirelessly communicate with a mobiledevice that is waved, tapped, or otherwise placed in close proximity tothe terminal. In block 1204 a, the consumer positions their mobiledevice (e.g., their smart phone) within a suitable proximity to thewireless reader. In block 1206 a, the terminal and/or the consumer'smobile device may, in some embodiments, require the consumer to entersome form of authentication to complete the commercial transaction. Suchauthentication can include a unique code or PIN, a password, etc. Afterblock 1206 a, the routine 1200 a ends.

Referring next to FIG. 12B, in some embodiments the routine 1200 b canbe implemented to purchase goods and services from an e-commerce websitewith a virtual gift card. In block 1202 b, the routine begins when theconsumer selects a mobile billing option to pay for a selected item orservice on an e-commerce website. After selecting this option, in block1204 b the consumer selects or otherwise identifies an appropriatevirtual gift card, mobile account, etc., with which to transfer fundsfor payment of the selected item. In various embodiments, the user canidentify such payment instrument in response to, for example, acorresponding prompt on the website. In block 1206 b, the consumer canenter appropriate authentication to complete the transaction, ifrequired by the particular e-commerce website, and then the routineends.

Referring next to FIG. 12C, in various embodiments the routine 1200 ccan be implemented by a consumer wishing to purchase goods and/orservices from an e-commerce website or web page using an open loopmobile payment account. In block 1202 c, the consumer opens anapplication or web page on, for example, their mobile device, such as asmart phone. In block 1204 c, the consumer identifies the goods and/orservices they wish to purchase from the website. In block 1206 c, theuser indicates via the website that they wish to pay for the selectedgoods and/or services using a mobile payment account. As discussed indetail above, such an account can be associated with an open loopvirtual card that can be used at a number of different retailers thatare equipped with the suitable commerce technology, much in the way thata conventional credit card can be used at a wide variety of retailestablishments. In block 1208 c, the consumer identifies the mobileaccount that they wish to use to pay for the selected goods and/orservices. As with the routines 1200 a and 1200 b discussed above, theroutine 1200 c can also require the user to enter some form ofauthentication to complete the transaction. After block 1210 c, theroutine ends.

As the foregoing disclosure illustrates, there are a number of differentways that a consumer-operated kiosk or other machine, or a network ofsuch machines can convert various forms of consumer currency and otherforms of value into a form suitable for paperless electronic commercefrom, for example, a smart phone or other wireless mobile device. Forexample, consumers can use such a kiosk to quickly convert coins and/orcash into “closed loop” virtual gift cards that can be activated,reloaded with funds, used to make purchases with a mobile commerceplatform, and/or e-mailed or otherwise sent to someone else, alldirectly from the consumer's mobile computing device, such as theirsmart phone.

In various embodiments, the consumer can receive incentives forconverting their currency and other funds to virtual gift cards viatheir mobile device. For example, if a consumer transfers a presetamount, such as $20, to a virtual gift card for use at a restaurantchain, the user could receive a discount on their next purchase as aresult of opening their new card. Consumers can also transfer theirfunds easily and quickly into an “open loop” mobile account (similar to,for example, Google Wallet, ISIS™, etc.) on their mobile device that canbe easily scanned, tapped, or otherwise implemented at any retailerequipped with the necessary NFC technology, mobile commerce software,and/or other mobile payment technology solutions necessary to performsuch transactions.

In other embodiments, consumers that have closed loop virtual gift cardsand/or mobile accounts on their mobile device can automatically receivedigital coupons and/or offers via their mobile device. For example,consumers that convert their coin to retailer cards for use withconsumer packaged goods (CPG) retailers (e.g., grocery merchants) canautomatically receive digital CPG coupons via their mobile device. Suchcoupons can then be automatically applied to selected items when theconsumer uses the virtual gift card or mobile account to pay for theitems at checkout. In some embodiments, the consumers can automaticallyreceive the digital coupons from the kiosk when they convert their fundsto a virtual gift card. In other embodiments, the retailer or retailersassociated with a virtual gift card can send coupons, offers, etc.directly to the consumer's mobile device/mobile account to encourage theconsumer to use the virtual gift card at the retailer, to transferadditional funds to the card, and/or for other reasons.

In still further embodiments, consumers can top off their existingmobile wallets or virtual gift card accounts using coins, cash and/orother funds deposited in a wirelessly-enabled kiosk, such as the kiosk100 described in detail above. In still other embodiments, aspects ofthe various systems and methods described above can be reversed. In suchembodiments, for example, a consumer can wirelessly transfer funds fromtheir mobile wallet, virtual gift card, and/or other accounts on theirmobile device to a kiosk, for depositing into a different type ofaccount or for converting into another form of monetary value, such as aredeemable cash voucher or a prepaid card.

Aspects of the invention described in detail above can be embodied in aspecial purpose computer or data processor that is specificallyprogrammed, configured, or constructed to perform one or more of thecomputer-executable instructions explained in detail herein. Whileaspects of the invention, such as certain functions, are described asbeing performed exclusively on a single device, the invention can alsobe practiced in distributed environments where functions or modules areshared among disparate processing devices, which are linked through acommunications network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide AreaNetwork (WAN), or the Internet. In a distributed computing environment,program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storagedevices.

Aspects of the invention may be stored or distributed on tangiblecomputer-readable media, including magnetically or optically readablecomputer discs, hard-wired or preprogrammed chips (e.g., EEPROMsemiconductor chips), nanotechnology memory, biological memory, or otherdata storage media. Alternatively, computer implemented instructions,data structures, screen displays, and other data under aspects of theinvention may be distributed over the Internet or over other networks(including wireless networks), on a propagated signal on a propagationmedium (e.g., an electromagnetic wave(s), a sound wave, etc.) over aperiod of time, or they may be provided on any analog or digital network(packet switched, circuit switched, or other scheme).

One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the concepts of theinvention can be used in various environments other than location basedor the Internet. In general, a display description may be in HTML, XMLor WAP format, email format or any other format suitable for displayinginformation (including character/code-based formats, algorithm-basedformats (e.g., vector generated), and bitmapped formats). Also, variouscommunication channels, such as local area networks, wide area networks,or point-to-point dial-up connections, may be used instead of theInternet. The system may be conducted within a single computerenvironment, rather than a client/server environment. Also, the usercomputers may comprise any combination of hardware or software thatinteracts with the server computer, such as television-based systems andvarious other consumer products through which commercial ornoncommercial transactions can be conducted. The various aspects of theinvention described herein can be implemented in or for any e-mailenvironment.

References throughout the foregoing description to features, advantages,or similar language do not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present technology should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe present technology may be combined in any suitable manner in one ormore embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize thatthe present technology can be practiced without one or more of thespecific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In otherinstances, additional features and advantages may be recognized incertain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of thepresent technology.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling orconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer tothis application as a whole and not to any particular portions of thisapplication. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to alist of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,and any combination of the items in the list.

The above Detailed Description of examples and embodiments of theinvention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention tothe precise form disclosed above. While specific examples for theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, whileprocesses or blocks are presented in a given order, alternativeimplementations may perform routines having steps, or employ systemshaving blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may bedeleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to providealternative or sub-combinations. Each of these processes or blocks maybe implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes orblocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processesor blocks may instead be performed or implemented in parallel, or may beperformed at different times.

The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various examples described above can be combined to providefurther implementations of the invention. Some alternativeimplementations of the invention may include not only additionalelements to those implementations noted above, but also may includefewer elements. Further any specific numbers noted herein are onlyexamples: alternative implementations may employ differing values orranges.

While the above description describes various embodiments of theinvention and the best mode contemplated, regardless how detailed theabove text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of thesystem may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while stillbeing encompassed by the present disclosure. As noted above, particularterminology used when describing certain features or aspects of theinvention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is beingredefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the invention to the specific examplesdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under theclaims.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration,but that various modifications may be made without deviating from thespirit and scope of the various embodiments of the invention. Further,while various advantages associated with certain embodiments of theinvention have been described above in the context of those embodiments,other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not allembodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within thescope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited,except as by the appended claims.

Although certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certainclaim forms, the applicant contemplates the various aspects of theinvention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the applicantreserves the right to pursue additional claims after filing thisapplication to pursue such additional claim forms, in either thisapplication or in a continuing application.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A system for transferring funds to a mobilecommerce account, the system comprising: a consumer-operated kiosk,wherein the consumer-operated kiosk includes— a funds receiving portionconfigured to receive funds from a user; a funds counting portionconfigured to count the funds received from the user to determine avalue; memory storing one or more display pages configured to receiveinformation from the user to facilitate transferring at least a portionof the value to one or more mobile commerce accounts usable via a mobiledevice of the user; a display configured to display the one or moredisplay pages; a user interface configured to receive input from theuser in response to the display pages, wherein the input includes:identification information associated with the user, mobile commerceaccount information, and/or transfer value information; and at least onecommunication device configured to exchange information with one or moreprocessing devices separate from the kiosk; and at least one remotecomputer configured to receive information from the at least onecommunication device, wherein the information is associated with theinput received from the user, and wherein the at least one remotecomputer is configured to respond to the information by facilitatingtransfer of the portion of the value to the one or more mobile commerceaccounts.
 20. The system of claim 19 wherein the funds receiving portionis configured to receive paper currency from the user.
 21. The system ofclaim 19 wherein the funds receiving portion is configured to receivecoins from the user.
 22. The system of claim 19: wherein the one or moredisplay pages include a request for contact information, wherein theuser interface is configured to receive the contact information from theuser in response to the request, wherein the at least one remotecomputer is configured to receive the contact information from the atleast one communication device, wherein the remote computer isconfigured to send a message to the user via the contact information,and wherein the message is configured to confirm that the portion offunds have been transferred to the one or more mobile commerce accounts.23. The system of claim 19: wherein the one or more display pagesinclude a request for a telephone number associated with the mobiledevice of the user, wherein the user interface is configured to receivethe telephone number from the user in response to the request, whereinthe at least one remote computer is configured to receive the telephonenumber from the at least one communication device, wherein the remotecomputer is configured to send a message to the mobile device of theuser via the telephone number, and wherein the message is configured toconfirm that the portion of funds have been transferred to the one ormore mobile commerce accounts.
 24. The system of claim 19: wherein theone or more display pages include a request for an email address of theuser, wherein the user interface is configured to receive the emailaddress from the user in response to the request, wherein the at leastone remote computer is configured to receive the email address from theat least one communication device, wherein the remote computer isconfigured to send a message to the email address of the user, andwherein the message is configured to confirm that the portion of fundshave been transferred to the one or more mobile commerce accounts. 25.The system of claim 19 wherein the at least one communication deviceincludes a wireless transceiver configured to send information to themobile device of the user positioned in the proximity of the kiosk,wherein the information causes the mobile device to display a message tothe user confirming that the portion of the value has been transferredto the one or more mobile commerce accounts.
 26. The system of claim 19:wherein the one or more display pages include a request for contactinformation, wherein the user interface is configured to receive thecontact information from the user in response to the request, whereinthe at least one communication device is configured to send anelectronic message to the user via the contact information, and whereinthe message is configured to confirm that the portion of funds have beentransferred to the one or more mobile commerce accounts.
 27. The systemof claim 19: wherein the one or more display pages include a request fora telephone number associated with the mobile device of the user,wherein the user interface is configured to receive telephone numberfrom the user in response to the request, wherein the at least onecommunication device includes a wireless transceiver configured to senda wireless message to the mobile device of the user via the telephonenumber, and wherein the message is configured to confirm that theportion of funds have been transferred to the one or more mobilecommerce accounts.
 28. The system of claim 19: wherein the one or moredisplay pages include a request for contact information, wherein theuser interface is configured to receive the contact information from theuser in response to the request, wherein the at least one remotecomputer is configured to receive amount information from the at leastone communication device, the amount information defining the portion ofthe value to be transferred to the one or more mobile commerce accounts,wherein the remote computer is further configured to send a message tothe kiosk at least partially in response to receiving the amountinformation, the message confirming that the amount has been transferredto the one or more mobile commerce accounts, and wherein the at leastone communication device is configured to send a message to the user viathe contact information in response to receiving the message from theremote computer, the message confirming that the amount has beentransferred to the one or more mobile commerce accounts.
 30. A methodfor transferring funds to a mobile commerce account, the methodcomprising: receiving funds from a user at a consumer-operated kioskhaving a user interface; counting the funds at the kiosk to determine avalue; receiving a selection from the user via the user interface of thekiosk, wherein the selection is associated with a mobile commerceaccount usable via a mobile device of the user; and in response toreceiving the selection, sending information from the kiosk to a remotecomputer, wherein the information causes the remote computer to add atleast a portion of the value to an amount of funds available to the uservia the mobile commerce account.
 31. The method of claim 30 whereinreceiving funds from the user includes receiving paper currency from theuser.
 32. The method of claim 30 wherein receiving funds from the userincludes receiving a plurality of coins from the user.
 33. The method ofclaim 30 wherein sending the information from the kiosk includes sendingfirst information, and wherein the method further comprises: receiving,at the kiosk, confirmation from the remote computer that the portion ofthe value has been added to the mobile commerce account; and in responseto receiving the confirmation, wirelessly sending second informationfrom the kiosk to the mobile device of the user, wherein the secondinformation indicates that the amount of funds available to the user viathe mobile commerce account has been increased by the portion of thevalue.
 34. The method of claim 30, wherein sending the information fromthe kiosk includes sending first information, and wherein the methodfurther comprises: after receiving the selection from the user,receiving a telephone number from the user via the user interface; aftersending the first information from the kiosk to the remote computer,receiving, at the kiosk, confirmation from the remote computer that theportion of the value has been added to the mobile commerce account; andin response to receiving the confirmation, wirelessly sending secondinformation from the kiosk to the telephone number, wherein the secondinformation indicates that the amount of funds available to the user viathe mobile commerce account has been increased by the portion of thevalue.
 35. The method of claim 30, wherein sending the information fromthe kiosk includes sending first information, and wherein the methodfurther comprises: after receiving the selection from the user,receiving an email address from the user via the user interface; aftersending the first information from the kiosk to the remote computer,receiving, at the kiosk, confirmation from the remote computer that theportion of the value has been added to the mobile commerce account; andin response to receiving the confirmation, wirelessly sending secondinformation from the kiosk to the email address, wherein the secondinformation indicates that the amount of funds available to the user viathe mobile commerce account has been increased by the portion of thevalue.
 36. The method of claim 30, wherein sending the information fromthe kiosk includes sending first information, and wherein the methodfurther comprises: after receiving the selection from the user,displaying, via the user interface, a first message instructing the userto provide a telephone number associated with the mobile device; inresponse to displaying the first message, receiving a telephone numberfrom the user via the user interface; after sending the firstinformation from the kiosk to the remote computer, receiving, at thekiosk, confirmation from the remote computer that the portion of thevalue has been added to the mobile commerce account; and wirelesslysending second information from the kiosk to the mobile device via thetelephone number, wherein the second information indicates that theamount of funds available to the user via the mobile commerce accounthas been increased by the portion of the value.
 37. The method of claim30 wherein sending the information from the kiosk includes sending firstinformation, and wherein the method further comprises: receiving, at thekiosk, confirmation from the remote computer that the portion of thevalue has been added to the mobile commerce account; and in response toreceiving the confirmation, wirelessly sending second information fromthe kiosk to the mobile device of the user; wherein, at least partiallyin response to receiving the second information, the mobile devicedisplays a message to the user indicating that the amount of fundsavailable to the user via the mobile commerce account has been increasedby the portion of the value, and wherein, after displaying the message,the mobile device displays a plurality of virtual gift card options tothe user.